Zero tolerance: The fixed penalty for public cleanliness offences will go up from $600 to $1,500 on June 26 to deter litterbugs from spoiling Hong Kong's environment.

The Legislative Council has endorsed the Government's plan to raise the fixed penalty for four public cleanliness offences from $600 to $1,500 on June 26.

The offences are spitting, littering, unauthorised display of bills or posters, and dog fouling in public places.

Welcoming the decision, Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said tougher penalties, together with public education, will help sharpen Hong Kong's competitive edge and boost environmental hygiene.

He said the Government will adopt a "zero-tolerance" approach against litterbugs, reiterating that arrangements have been made with enforcement departments and frontline staff on resource allocation, communication and co-operation.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said that enforcement actions have been intensified since the SARS outbreak.

The Government will continue to equip frontline staff with sufficient training and communication equipment to facilitate enforcement. The Commissioner of Police has pledged full support for the crackdown on cleanliness offences.

On the suggestion to have a grace period before the tougher penalty is implemented, Dr Yeoh said the community is well-aware of the situation and has accepted the need for heavier fines since the proposal was announced three weeks ago.

A wide range of publicity materials will be launched to remind the public of the new fixed penalty's effective date, he added.